Is it still odd to be discussing Tár?
Cate Blanchett: Some things don’t ever leave you. This has been fascinating from the moment of inception, through making and releasing it and now watching people’s reaction to the film deepen and evolve. It’s very rewarding.
Yesterday, a lady approached me and discussed the film for approximately 25 minutes. She had watched it nine times.
It is common for us to have immediate judgments when something new is released. People were quick to label the film, but its essence has proven to be compelling. Todd has created a timeless masterpiece that does not necessarily align with current trends. It has a sense of antiquity to it.
In what way?
CB: We knew from the get-go that’s not for us to talk about. Part of the challenge of persuading people to see it in the cinema is that you end up sort of reducing the film by saying, say: “It’s an examination of power.” That feels quite reductive to the actual experience of watching it.
Were you surprised that 78% of the movie’s total revenue came from international markets?
The first time we showed the movie to the movie company, the person in charge of international was very enthusiastic. They came up to us and said, “Wow, you’ve made a foreign film!” Last year in the United States, things were challenging because 40% of our independent theaters had closed permanently due to Covid. The people who used to go to those theaters had various reasons for not wanting to go to multiplexes, which I can understand. However, I believe that is changing this year as some of those theaters are reopening.
Is there a part of you that regrets releasing it now instead of waiting for a year?
Reworded: The outcome is uncertain and unpredictable. It’s gratifying when someone stumbles upon a film you created years ago. That is the ultimate compliment. The film’s storyline is not definitive. However, once it gained attention, it became a part of the collective consciousness. Despite this, I believe it goes beyond that. It does not dictate thoughts or emotions to the audience.
After completing filming in Berlin, I gave a brief speech to the crew and was overwhelmed with emotions. It was the first time I vocalized what we all knew – that we had just witnessed an exceptional and brave performance by one of the greatest actors of all time. As a filmmaker for 40 years, I doubt I will ever have the privilege of witnessing such magic on a daily basis. That is what resonates with people. While the film has a message, it was delivered through the lens of a highly talented artist. Cate’s performance is unforgettable and leaves a lasting impression.
What would Lydia think of Maestro, a biopic about Leonard Bernstein played by Bradley Cooper? Bernstein was a fictional mentor to Tár.
I believe she would be overjoyed and deeply impressed to see it.
CB: She would have experienced envy. Definitely. For sure. However, it’s a type of magic, isn’t it, conducting? Our situation is unique: Lydia operates outside of time, in a mismatched rhythm. And Tár is not solely focused on conducting, it’s a vital part of the character, like breathing. Similarly, Maestro is a tale of love. It’s intriguing how this world has been explored in vastly distinct manners.
Source: theguardian.com
